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Show MAKING HOMES. <br><br> Editor Leader--As spring thaw is approaching and calling for renewed activity in the improvement of homes already established, and in the establishing of new ones, permit me, through your paper, to offer a few suggestions, more especially to the less experienced. <br><br> One of the first considerations of a new comer in the country should be the establishing of a home. I do not mean by this simply a place to exist in, but a genuine home, where he may gather and rear a family; where that family can find, not only the necessities and the comforts, but also the legitimate luxuries of life-where his little flock will ever be drawn, and from which they will be loth to depart-a spot where beauty will ever charm the eye, music enchant the ear, and where the chorus of man's finer sensibilities may be vibrated. <br><br> In the formation of such a hone, the first step is to select a suitable location; and this selection must necessarily be governed by circumstances, such as means, occupation, taste, etc. But a few prominent requisites may here be mentioned, such as a healthful climate, natural fertility of soil, reasonably easy access to markets, business facilities, schools and other social benefits, and water privileges. The first and last of these items may be considered essentials. Being located, a piece of ground should next be securely fenced, if more than a city lot. Besides other advantages a good fence often proves a valuable aid in preserving the peace with our neighbors. <br><br> Now comes the laying out, or planning of the grounds. The actual dwelling house of the family should first be assigned its position. In this connection bear in mind the following hints: Don't build too near the front or street line but well back. Give yourself plenty of room for an ornamental garden before the door, turning room, and space for well, wood shed and children's playground. Choose a high and dry spot, but, if practicable, where water may be conducted by ditches upon every part. Generally face the street; and if a corner lot, have frontage both ways; but often it is desirable to place the house with reference to the course of customary high winds. With us, every one keeps a cow, at lest, and probably a team, pig and chickens. Therefore coral, stack yard, stable and other out houses should have a place assigned them. These should be free of access from the street and yet be convenient to the dwelling house, but significantly distant to avoid unpleasant appeals to the senses and to the health. In this connection privy houses should not be overlooked. Earth closets are much preferable; but an ingenious mind could easily construct a privy with an adjustable receiver to the lower portion having runners beneath and staple rings attached, by which the refuse could, with but little annoyance, be drawn to proper places in the garden, mulch heap, or elsewhere. Such a construction utilizes that which is really of much value, though often kept an idle and intolerable nuisance. Dry earth should always be at hand as a deodorizer. <br><br> When matters of this description are properly provided for, lay out foot paths and carriage ways. Here let beauty of form and adaptation to other arrangements has bearing as well as mere convence [convenience]. Angular or circular nooks are not necessarily wasteplaces, but are even at times desirable; being set off by a tree, shrub or flower. The kitchen garden will no doubt be an early consideration in the formation of rural houses, as being pre-eminently requisite to health, economy and satisfaction. Do not fail to have in your garden rhubarb and asparagus beds; both are available very early in the spring, and very palatable and are also permanent improvements, if properly made. Next is the planting of small fruits, currants, gooseberries, etc. These are now easily obtained in all sections of the country; they are a permanent improvement, yield an early return, and are very desirable. Now go to friend Jacobs, or some other reliable house dealer, and secure your fruit trees. Be wary of the traveling agents of outside firms, for though at times it may be well to import, it is generally best to deal directly with a reliable firms rather than with agents. Do not crowd your trees, ample space being condusive to both economy and good taste; give them plenty of room. Be not over anxious to stock your orchard all at once; time gives experience, and experience enables one to fill out to best advantage. However, have a plan, and carry it out to the end. Get a well assorted variety of summer, fall and winter apples, both tart and sweet; study our climate in selecting your fruits. Besides apples, have in your garden choice selections of the pear, cherry and plums; and in suitable localities peach, apricot and nectarine. You should also cultivate one or two grape vines at least. <br><br> But the programme we have thus far sketched would be incomplete without a consideration of the subject of shade trees. Fruit trees of course afford shade but can never supercede [supersede] the shade tree proper in this respect. Each has it legitimate claim in a place around the home; neither can be spared. If a homestead can be found laying claim to completion of plan, which is adorned with fruit trees only, a glance from the veriest novice in landscape beauty would at once discover that something was lacking. <br><br> There is a stately grandeur, a certain freshness peculiar to itself, by which the forest tree seems to transport us, insensibly as it were, to its own chosen haunts. Beneath the o'ershadowing influence of a group of these forest monarchs, imagination carries one, for a season, away from the slavish custom, the conventional rulings of artificial city life. We drink from crystal fountains, inhale a pure atmosphere, behold various animals in their native wilds, the leaves attune themselves and join in concert with merry birds. The soul expands, and leaps, enraptured, from nature's works to nature's God. <br><br> We would not give the simple shade tree undue prominence in the home landscape, but we would not allow t to be robbed of its proper place and influence there. It is not only beautiful and healthful, but there is economy connected with it, inasmuch as it affords a needed protection to man, his domestic animals, his fruits, vegetables and flowers. <br><br> Yes the flowers, we must not forget them in our portrait of a home. For, what a household would be without it merry children, a garden would be if destitute of flowers. Let every member of the family be encouraged to cultivate and rejoice in their beauty and their fragrance. <br><br> Then let us, one and all, go to and fill the valleys of Ephraim with homes worthy of a people proudly claiming to be the favored of the Almighty. Let us cause Zion to arise, shine and put on her beautiful garments. So shall we, under heaven's blessing, create to ourselves a heaven upon earth, and perfect our title to an eternal inheritance thereon. Your truly, Progress. SMITHFIELD, Utah, Feb. 13th, 1881 |